Subject: Listserv of Brothers United Celebrating Knowledge and Success
Description:
Brothers United Celebrating Knowledge and Success acquired its name on Friday, May 9th, 1997. What began as a group of friends celebrating the end of the 1996-1997 academic year at the University of Virginia has matured into an organized cadre of black males and females concerned about the well being of the Black community in today's Society. The seven founding members, Mr. Marc K. Carroll, Mr. Ryan F. Coleman-Ferebee, Mr. John T. Green, III, Mr. Aaron A. Lockhart, Mr. Cameron D. Wadley, Mr. Ryan J. Wallace, and Mr. Les H. Williams, Jr. spent many a late night during the 1997-1998 academic year in order to fortify the goals of the organization. The ultimate goal of these meetings was to establish a constitution which would be submitted to the University in hopes of obtaining CIO status (and get a real name, not just an acronym). On Wednesday April 29, 1998 the endless nights of work paid off. At 3:08pm, Brothers United Celebrating Knowledge and Success became a CIO at the University of Virginia. Brothers United Celebrating Knowledge and Success strives to not only involve students at the University of Virginia, but also members of the local Charlottesville Community. B.U.C.K.S. has reached out to the residents of Charlottesville through such projects as 'My Brother's Keeper', a mentoring program where University students forge a bond with high school students and inspire them to look towards higher education. Organization members mentor local middle school children and help them prepare for SOL testing through the 'Young B.U.C.K.S.' after school program at Jouett Middle School. B.U.C.K.S. also oversees B.U.C.K.S. Labs where organization members supervise computer labs and activities in low-income areas of Charlottesville. B.U.C.K.S. has the desire to educate its members and the community by giving them a sense of pride and motivation through teaching them about the many contributions which African-Americans have made throughout the history of this country. Today B.U.C.K.S. boast a strong membership of both black males and females who act as leaders of the UVA community and as role models for young African-Americans in Charlottesville. Brothers United Celebrating Knowledge and Success--A proud history and a lasting legacy at the University of Virginia and Beyond.